System and method for liquid-organic particle separation

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a method and system for separating a liquid from organic particles. The mixer-settler extraction cell includes a flow distributor. The flow distributor comprises a chevron-shaped series of welded plates, which separates the incoming flow stream of liquid and organic particles from one another.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/534,491, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FORLIQUID-ORGANIC PARTICLE SEPARATION,” which was filed on Aug. 7, 2019.The aforementioned application is hereby incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention generally relates to systems and methods for separatingcomponents of a mixture of liquids and organic particles. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to systems and methods for reducingentrained organic particles in the aqueous flow stream.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Solvent extraction systems are often utilized to extract metal complexesfrom a mixture of liquids. Mixer-settlers are one extraction circuit inwhich compounds separate by density. Entering the mixer-settler, apregnant leach solution and extractant mix, and metal complexes areextracted to separate the metal into a loaded organic stream. Astripping solution may then be added to the loaded organic stream, andthe metal complexes bind to the stripping solution. Within themixer-settler, organic particles are less dense than the aqueous flowstream and rise above the aqueous flow stream's higher density. Uponseparation of the organic particles from the aqueous flow stream, theorganic particles typically join a larger organic launder layer.

However, when the flow stream enters the mixer-settler at a highvelocity, organic particles may become entrained in the aqueous flowstream, and never join the larger organic layer. This results inmultiple issues, including the potential for unwanted impurities beingincluded in the electrowinning process and decreasing the purity of thecopper cathode. Organic particles may also contribute to pluggingpipework in the mixer-settler and in the leaching piping network. Theorganic can cause buildup in the emitters, and also in the electrolytefilters where entrained organic is removed from the rich electrolyte. Anefficient system and method of reducing entrained organic particles inthe aqueous flow stream may prevent these potential issues.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides an improved system and method forreducing entrained organic particles in an aqueous flow stream. Usingthe systems and methods of the present disclosure, a dispersion of twoseparable aqueous and organic components may be effectively separated.As set forth in more detail below, the improved system and method use aflow distributor, wherein the flow distributor has an apex in a settlingapparatus (e.g., a settler portion of a mixer-settler) to selectivelyseparate the aqueous flow stream from at least some of the organicparticles. Once the aqueous flow stream containing particles reaches theflow distributor in the settling apparatus, it is believed that the lessdense organic particles may separate from the aqueous flow stream andfloat upward. It is believed that the selective separation of organicparticles from the aqueous flow stream reduces entrainment in theaqueous flow stream.

In accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure, a standaloneflow distributor comprising an inverted chevron-shaped plate is attachedto the mixer-settler. The aqueous flow stream and organic particlesenter the mixer-settler from one end at a certain velocity and moveunilaterally in one direction. From this point, the less dense organicparticles may begin to rise above the aqueous flow stream into anisolated chamber of the mixer-settler above the plate. Other organicparticles may still be entrained in the aqueous flow stream. Most of theaqueous flow stream travels underneath the plate. A weir is attached tothe other end of the plate, wherein a ledge of the weir begins prior tothe end of the plate and creates an opening underneath the plate and theledge for organic particles to travel upward. The ledge is attached tothe vertical weir, which directs organic particles to accumulate anddischarge at the top of the weir and into the fluid top surface of anorganic launder layer. The aqueous flow stream continues to travelunderneath the plate and upward, after which the aqueous flow streamdischarges into aqueous launder.

In another exemplary process for reducing entrainment from the aqueousflow stream, a standalone flow distributor comprising a chevron-shapedplate is attached to the mixer-settler. An additional shielded frontedge may be attached to the chevron-shaped plate. The aqueous flowstream and organic particles enter the mixer-settler from one end at acertain velocity and move unilaterally in one direction. The flow streamhits the shielded front edge, thereby causing a decrease in velocity ofthe flow stream. The shielded front edge may cause organic particles torise above the shielded edge into an isolated chamber of themixer-settler above the plate. Other organic particles may still beentrained in the aqueous flow stream. Most of the aqueous flow streamtravels underneath the plate. A weir is attached to the other end of theplate, wherein organic particles are directed upward and may accumulateand discharge at the top of the weir and into the fluid top surface ofthe organic launder layer. The aqueous flow stream continues to travelunderneath the plate and upward, after which the aqueous flow streamdischarges into aqueous launder.

A mixer-settler assembly in accordance with the present disclosurecomprises a vessel configured to conduct the flow of a liquid mixtureand/or dispersion comprising an inbound portion, an outbound portion,and a flow distributor, wherein the flow distributor has an apexconfigured to point in the direction of the organic launder layer or thebottom of the mixer-settler assembly if it also comprises a shieldedfront edge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

The drawing figures described herein are for illustration purposes onlyand are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in anyway. The present disclosure will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawing figures herein,wherein;

FIG. 1 illustrates a process flow of a solid-liquid separation step;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an exemplary mixer-settler;

FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary mixer-settler unit;

FIG. 3B illustrates an additional exemplary mixer-settler unit;

FIG. 4 illustrates experimental results of a histogram of exemplaryentrainment values;

FIG. 5 illustrates experimental results comparing average organicentrainment rates over time between a mixer-settler unit without anexemplary flow distributor installed, versus a mixer-settler unit withan exemplary flow distributor installed; and

FIG. 6 illustrates experimental results in an s-curve of a mixer-settlerunit without an exemplary flow distributor installed, versus amixer-settler unit with an exemplary flow distributor installed.

It will be appreciated that elements in the figures are illustrated forsimplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. Forexample, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may beexaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understandingof illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description of various embodiments herein makes referenceto the accompanying drawing figures, which show various embodiments andimplementations thereof by way of illustration and best mode, and not oflimitation. While these embodiments are described in sufficient detailto enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, itshould be understood that other embodiments may be realized and thatmechanical and other changes may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected or the like mayinclude permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full and/or any otherpossible attachment option. Additionally, though the various embodimentsdiscussed herein may be carried out in the context of metal recovery, itshould be understood that systems and methods disclosed herein may beincorporated into other systems to separate components of a dispersionin accordance with the present disclosure.

The various embodiments of a liquid-organic particle separation systemcomprise the features hereinafter described and particularly pointed outin the claims. The following description and the annexed drawing figuresset forth in detail and demonstrate certain illustrative embodiments ofthe disclosure. However, these embodiments are indicative of but a fewof the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein may beemployed. Other objects, advantages and novel features will becomeapparent from the following detailed description when considered inconjunction with the drawing figures.

The present invention provides a system and method for improvingpurification and concentration of a pregnant leach solution. As setforth in more detail below, the system and method can be used to reducethe amount of entrained organic particles in an aqueous phase ofhydrometallurgical metal recovery processing, and therefore can be usedto increase purity of metal recovery and decrease costs associated withrecovering metal from ore.

To assist in understanding the context of the present disclosure, asolid-liquid separation step 10 is configured to utilize systems andmethods to separate a dispersion of aqueous solution and organicparticles in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated inFIG. 1. In the exemplary process, aqueous flow stream (“flow stream”) 26is forwarded to a first separation step 30. First separation step 30separates flow stream 26 into organic particles 137 and aqueous solution139. In various embodiments, separated flow stream 34 is then subjectedto a second separation step 38. Second separation step 38 separatesremaining organic particles 137 from aqueous solution 139. In variousembodiments, separated flow stream 42 is then subjected to a thirdseparation step 46. Third separation step 46 separates remaining organicparticles 137 from aqueous solution 139. In various embodiments,separated flow stream 50 may be subjected to aqueous launder step 54 forstorage of separated flow stream 50. Once separated, separated organicparticles 137 may group together in one large grouping apart fromseparated flow stream 50. Separated flow stream 50 may comprise aqueoussolution 139.

In accordance with various embodiments, solid-liquid separation step 10comprises a mixer-settler unit 100. With initial reference to FIG. 2 andcontinued reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary mixer-settler unit 100 isillustrated for use in accordance with various embodiments of theinvention. Mixer-settler unit 100 may be configured to reduce entrainedorganic particles from the aqueous flow stream in accordance with thepresent disclosure. In the illustrated example, flow stream 26 entersmixer-settler unit 100 at flow stream section 204. In an exemplaryembodiment, flow stream 26 comprises organic particles 137 and aqueoussolution 139. However, flow stream 26 may be any mixture containing atleast two immiscible and separable liquids, including a dispersionand/or emulsion.

In various embodiments, mixer-settler unit 100 further comprises aperimeter wall 206 and a perimeter wall 208. Further, mixer-settler unit100 may comprise a discharge section 222. In various exemplaryembodiments, separated flow stream 50 may exit the mixer-settler unit100 from discharge section 222. Separated flow stream 50 may exit fromdischarge section 222. However, it should be appreciated that anymixture may exit from discharge section 222. In accordance with anexemplary embodiment, and with continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2,mixer-settler unit 100 further comprises a primary flow distributor 210.Mixer-settler unit 100 may further comprise a secondary flow distributor212 and a tertiary flow distributor 215. Although FIG. 2 illustrates twoadditional flow distributors, the use of any number of additional flowdistributors may be used to separate flow stream 26 into organicparticles 137 and aqueous solution 139, as discussed herein. Firstseparation step 30 of flow stream 26 may be performed by primary flowdistributor 210. The resultant separated flow stream 34 may be furtherseparated into remaining organic particles 137 and aqueous solution 139in second separation step 38 by secondary flow distributor 212. Theresultant separated flow stream 42 may be further separated intoremaining organic particles 137 and aqueous solution 139 in thirdseparation step 46 by tertiary flow distributor 215.

With reference to FIG. 3A, primary flow distributor 210 may comprise afirst plate 314 coupled to a second plate 318. Second plate 318 may becoupled to a third plate 322. One end of first plate 314 may have asquare edge surface. The other end of first plate 314 is coupled to oneend of second plate 318, forming a substantially perpendicular angle.The end of second plate 318 not coupled to first plate 314 may becoupled to one end of third plate 322. The end of third plate 322 notcoupled to second plate 318 may have a square edge surface. In apreferred embodiment, second plate 318 and third plate 322 may be angledto comprise a substantially chevron-shaped configuration with an apex332 pointing towards the top of mixer-settler unit 100. First plate 314,second plate 318, and third plate 322 may be connected to at least onevertical support member 310. First plate 314, second plate 318, andthird plate 322 may connect to each other and one another by bolts,clips, welding, or any other suitable fastener. However, any method ofattachment which joins first plate 314, second plate 318, and thirdplate 322 to support structure 310 is in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

During operation of mixer-settler unit 100, flow stream 26 may moveunilaterally towards primary flow distributor 210, hitting the squareedge surface of third plate 322 first. The interaction between flowstream 26 and third plate 322 may cause flow stream 26 to separateorganic particles 137 from aqueous solution 139. Being less dense thanaqueous solution 139, organic particles 137 may float upward into alarger organic layer. Organic particles 137 may be prevented fromrejoining aqueous solution 139 by primary flow distributor 210comprising third plate 322, second plate 318 and first plate 314.

In various example embodiments, secondary flow distributor 212 maycomprise a weir 326 coupled to support structure 310. A leading edge 330may be coupled to weir 326 and form a perpendicular angle. Leading edge330 may extend below the perpendicular angle formed by the coupling offirst plate 314 and second plate 318. In various embodiments, sufficientspace may be between primary flow distributor 210 and secondary flowdistributor 212 to allow for organic particles 137 to pass through thespace and float upward towards the larger organic layer.

With further reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, during operation ofmixer-settler unit 100, separated flow stream 34 may move unilaterallytowards secondary flow distributor 212, hitting leading edge 330 first.The interaction between separated flow stream 34 and leading edge 330may cause separated flow stream 34 to separate remaining organicparticles 137 from aqueous solution 139. Organic particles 137 may passthrough the space formed between primary flow distributor 210 andsecondary flow distributor 212 to float upwards to join the largerorganic layer. Organic particles 137 may be prevented from rejoiningaqueous solution 139 by secondary flow distributor 212.

In various embodiments, tertiary flow distributor 215 may comprisesecondary weir 347. During operation of mixer-settler unit 100,separated flow stream 42 may move unilaterally towards tertiary flowdistributor 215. Any remaining organic particles that have not alreadyseparated during the first separation step 30 and the second separationstep 38 may float upward through secondary weir 347 and empty intoorganic launder tank 341. After passing tertiary flow distributor 215,separated flow stream 50 may comprise aqueous solution 139. Separatedflow stream 50 may move unilaterally through post-flow distributor area343. Post-flow distributor area 343 may be underneath organic laundertank 341. Separated flow stream 50 may move through post-flowdistributor area 343 upwards through a tertiary weir 345. Tertiary weir345 may empty into aqueous launder 54. However, it should be appreciatedthat separated flow stream 50 may empty into any location appropriatefor the hydrometallurgical recovery process.

FIG. 3B illustrates an additional exemplary embodiment of mixer-settlerunit 100. In various embodiments, primary flow distributor 210 maycomprise a shielded front edge 334. Shielded front edge 334 maypartially enclose the end of third plate 322 that may have a square edgesurface. During operation of mixer-settler unit 100, flow stream 26 maymove unilaterally towards primary flow distributor 210, hitting shieldedfront edge 334 first. The interaction between flow stream 26 andshielded front edge 334 may cause flow stream 26 to separate organicparticles 137 from aqueous solution 139. Being less dense than aqueoussolution 139, organic particles 137 may float upwards into the largerorganic layer. Organic particles 137 may be prevented from rejoiningaqueous solution 139 by primary flow distributor comprising shieldedfront edge 334. Shielded front edge 334 may significantly slow the flowof flow stream 26 upon the entry of flow stream 26 into mixer-settlerunit 100. Due to the slow flow of flow stream 26, organic particles 137may more easily float upwards into the larger organic layer uponinteracting with shielded front edge 334.

In various embodiments, secondary flow distributor 212 may comprisefirst plate 314 coupled to second plate 318. Second plate 318 may becoupled to third plate 322. The end of second plate 318 not coupled tofirst plate 314 may be coupled to one end of third plate 322. The end ofthird plate 322 not coupled to second plate 318 may have a square edgesurface. In a preferred embodiment, second plate 318 and third plate 322may be angled to comprise a substantially chevron-shaped configurationwith an apex 332 pointing towards the bottom of mixer-settler unit 100.There may be sufficient space for organic particles 137 to move betweenshielded front edge 334 and third plate 322 upward towards the largerorganic layer. Due to the separated flow stream 34 having firstinteracted with shielded front edge 334 prior to separating for thefirst time into organic particles 137 and aqueous solution 139,separated flow stream 34 may move at a slow velocity. This slow velocityof flow stream 34 may encourage organic particles 137 to separate moreeasily within secondary flow distributor 212.

During operation of mixer-settler unit 100, separated flow stream 34 maymove unilaterally towards secondary flow distributor 212. Theinteraction between separated flow stream 34 and third plate 322 maycause separated flow stream 34 to separate organic particles 137 fromaqueous solution 139. Being less dense than aqueous solution 139,organic particles 137 may float upward between shielded front edge 334and third plate 322 into a larger organic layer. Organic particles 137may be prevented from rejoining aqueous solution 139 by secondary flowdistributor 212 comprising third plate 322, second plate 318 and firstplate 314. The space in which separated flow stream 42 may flow beneathsecondary flow distributor 212 may be relatively uninterrupted, whichmay increase the velocity of separated flow stream 42. Therefore,tertiary flow distributor 215 may comprise a wider space for largerorganic particles 137 to float upward to join the larger organic layer.

In various example embodiments, tertiary flow distributor 215 maycomprise weir 326. During operation of mixer-settler unit 100, separatedflow stream 42 may move unilaterally towards tertiary flow distributor215. Second plate 318 may slope upwards and encourage organic particles137 to move upwards to weir 326. Any remaining organic particles thathave not already separated during the first separation step 30 and thesecond separation step 38 may float upward through weir 326 and emptyinto organic launder tank 341. After passing tertiary flow distributor215, separated flow stream 50 may comprise aqueous solution 139.Separated flow stream 50 may also comprise remaining organic particles137.

In various example embodiments, and with continued reference to FIG. 3B,mixer-settler unit 100 may comprise a further quaternary flowdistributor comprising leading edge 330 coupled in a substantiallyperpendicular manner to weir 326. With further reference to FIGS. 1-3A,separated flow stream 50 may hit organic launder tank 341 and moveupward past leading edge 330 between weir 326 and organic launder tank341. Any remaining organic particles 137 may exit into organic laundertank 341. Separated flow stream 50 may next move unilaterally throughpost-flow distributor area 343. Post-flow distributor area 343 may beunderneath organic launder tank 341. Separated flow stream 50 may movethrough post-flow distributor area 343 upwards through a tertiary weir345. Tertiary weir 345 may empty into aqueous launder 54. However, itshould be appreciated that separated flow stream 50 may empty into anylocation appropriate for the hydrometallurgical recovery process.

Thus, the flow distributor of the present disclosure provides means toseparate organic particles 137 and aqueous solution 139 from one anotherwithin flow stream 26 as it progresses through mixer-settler unit 100.The flow distributor of the present disclosure beneficially decreasesthe flow rate of flow stream 26 and creates multiple ways for organicparticles 137 to separate and float upward to the larger organic layer.This prevents impurities in the electrowinning process after theleaching process and increases the purity of the copper cathode.Additionally, cost savings may be realized through less waste of organicmaterial, as well as other costs associated with extracting metal fromore.

EXAMPLES

FIG. 4 shows the graphical analysis of the following example, whichillustrates a histogram of the percentage measured on the y-axis againstparts per million on the x-axis in increments of 5 parts per million.Exemplary entrainment values were obtained using a settler system inaccordance with various embodiments of the invention. This example ismerely illustrative, and it is not intended that the invention belimited to the example. Systems in accordance with the present inventionmay include the flow distributor below as well as additional and/oralternative flow distributor(s).

Two mixer-settlers were set up to monitor the parts per million oforganic particles entrained in the aqueous flow stream, one with theflow distributor and one control mixer-settler without the flowdistributor. As each cell operated, the amount of organic phaseentrained in the aqueous flow stream was recorded. The collection methodwas over-the-weir entrainment measurement with milk bottles. Organicphase was collected before and after installation of the flowdistributor. The control recorded an average organic entrainment of 32.8parts per million. The mixer-settler with the flow distributor addedrecorded an average organic entrainment of 25.6 parts per million. Thisis a reduction of 7.2 parts per million, which is a 22 percent reductionin organic entrainment. If used for an entire year in the size ofmixer-settlers as was used in the example, this would result inapproximately $500,000 in savings per year, after calculating based uponthe percentage volumes needed for reagent and the cost per gallon ofreagent.

FIG. 5 shows further graphical analysis of the above example'smeasurement of average organic entrainment measured in parts per millionon the y-axis over time on the x-axis, wherein the average organicentrainment in parts per million is compared between a controlmixer-settler without the flow distributor installed, versus amixer-settler with the flow distributor installed. The graph shows adifference of 7.2 parts per million. This example is merelyillustrative, and it is not intended that the invention be limited tothe example.

FIG. 6 shows further graphical analysis of the above example as ans-curve distribution comparison before and after installation of theflow distributor. The cumulative portion of the data set in percentageincrements on the y-axis is measured against average organic entrainmentin parts per million on the x-axis, with increments of 5 parts permillion. This example is merely illustrative, and it is not intendedthat the invention be limited to the example.

It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses at leastone distinct invention with independent utility. While the invention hasbeen disclosed in the exemplary forms, the specific embodiments thereofas disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in alimiting sense as numerous variations are possible. Equivalent changes,modifications and variations of various embodiments, materials,compositions and methods may be made within the scope of the presentinvention, with substantially similar results. The subject matter of theinventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations andsubcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/orproperties disclosed herein.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed herein with regard to specific embodiments. However, thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element orcombination of elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, orsolution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed ascritical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all theclaims of the invention. Many changes and modifications within the scopeof the instant invention may be made without departing from the spiritthereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.Corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allelements in the claims below are intended to include any structure,material, or acts for performing the functions in combination with otherclaim elements as specifically claimed. The scope of the inventionshould be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents,rather than by the examples given above.

1. A method for separating a liquid from organic particles, comprising:introducing a mixture of at least one liquid in combination with organicparticles into an inbound portion of a vessel comprising the inboundportion and an outbound portion, wherein the mixture comprises a firstphase and a second phase; separating the liquid from the organicparticles by passing the mixture through a chevron-shaped coupled platecomprising a first plate coupled to a second plate, and a second platecoupled to a third plate having an end with a square edge surface,wherein the first plate coupled to a first support structure isconfigured to be substantially parallel to the first support structure,wherein a leading edge coupled to a weir is configured to be spaced fromthe first plate and have an end surface facing in an upstream direction,wherein the weir coupled to the first support structure is configured tobe substantially parallel to the first support structure andperpendicular to the leading edge, wherein the flow of the mixturepasses initially from the third plate through the first plate to theweir, wherein both the square edge surface of the third plate and theopening created by the coupling of the first and second plates and theleading edge is configured to cause the organic particles to separatefrom the liquid.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of theliquids in the mixture comprises a metal value.
 3. The method of claim2, wherein the metal value is copper.
 4. The method of claim 1, whereinthe leading edge is spaced below the first plate.
 5. The method of claim1, wherein the angle formed by the first plate coupled to the secondplate is configured to be above the leading edge.
 6. The method of claim1, wherein the end of the third plate with the square edge surface isnot coupled to the second plate.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein theend of the weir that is not coupled to the leading edge has a squareedge surface.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the coupling of thefirst plate to the first support structure, the second plate to thefirst plate, the third plate to the second plate, and the weir to theleading edge are welded together.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein thesecond plate coupled to the third plate comprises a substantiallychevron-shaped configuration; wherein the apex of the chevron is wherethe second plate is welded to the third plate.
 10. The method of claim8, wherein a shielded front edge is coupled to a second supportstructure.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the shielded front edgecomprises a fourth plate, and fifth plate, and a sixth plate; whereinthe fourth plate is coupled to the fifth plate, and the fifth plate iscoupled to the sixth plate, all at substantially perpendicular angles.12. The method of claim 11, wherein the end of the third plate with asquare edge surface is configured to lie approximately halfway betweenthe middle portion of the fourth plate and sixth plate coupled to thefifth plate comprising the shielded front edge.
 13. The method of claim11, wherein the end of the first plate with a square edge surface isparallel to the end of the weir with a square edge surface.
 14. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the second plate coupled to the third platecomprises a substantially inverted chevron-shaped configuration; whereinthe apex of the chevron is where the second plate is welded to the thirdplate.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the second plate is angled atan angle different from the first plate.
 16. The method of claim 15, thethird plate is angled at an angle different from the second plate.
 17. Amethod for separating a liquid from organic particles, comprising:introducing a mixture of at least one liquid in combination with organicparticles into an inbound portion of a vessel comprising the inboundportion and an outbound portion, wherein the mixture comprises a firstphase and a second phase; producing a first aqueous solution and a firstorganic particle layer by passing the mixture through a chevron-shapedcoupled plate comprising a first plate coupled to a second plate, and asecond plate coupled to a third plate having an end with a square edgesurface, wherein the first plate coupled to a first support structure isconfigured to be substantially parallel to the first support structure,wherein a leading edge coupled to a weir is configured to be spaced fromthe first plate and have an end surface facing in an upstream direction,wherein the weir coupled to the first support structure is configured tobe substantially parallel to the first support structure andperpendicular to the leading edge, wherein the flow of the mixturepasses initially from the third plate through the first plate to theweir, wherein both the square edge surface of the third plate and theopening created by the coupling of the first and second plates and theleading edge is configured to cause the organic particles to separatefrom the liquid; and producing a second aqueous solution and a secondorganic layer by passing the first aqueous solution through a secondweir that is spaced downstream from the first weir and configured to besubstantially parallel to the first weir, wherein the space between thefirst weir and the second weir is configured to cause the organicparticles to separate from the liquid.
 18. The method of claim 17,wherein the leading edge is spaced below the first plate.
 19. The methodof claim 17, wherein the angle formed by the first plate coupled to thesecond plate is configured to be above the leading edge.
 20. The methodof claim 17, further comprising producing a third aqueous solution bypassing the second aqueous solution through a third weir that is spaceddownstream from the second weir and configured to be substantiallyparallel to the second weir, wherein the second aqueous solution flowsthrough the third weir into an aqueous launder.